During the proceedings, the GCC leaders reviewed the latest regional developments, focusing particularly on foreign interference in Bahrain, negotiations between Yemeni factions, and Palestinian reconciliation. They also reviewed the progress made in furthering cooperation between GCC countries.

In a press statement released after the meeting, Secretary General Al-Zayani said that the delegates fully sided with Bahrain in its efforts to restore security and vowed to unite as one to face any danger threatening any GCC country. They welcomed the entry into Bahrain of the joint Peninsula Shield Force and praised the decision of the Bahraini government to lift the “state of national safety” on June 1st. In this regard, the leaders expressed profound concern over the continual Iranian interference into the domestic affairs of GCC countries. They accused Iran of spreading sedition, sectarianism and conspiracy within societies to the detriment of national security, in flagrant violation of the principles of sovereignty, good neighborliness and international norms and laws.

The meeting also included a briefing on the latest contacts made with Yemeni political factions regarding a draft agreement proposed by the GCC. The delegates urged the Yemenis to sign the pact in order to break the current impasse and to avoid a further deterioration in security and an increase in political rifts.

The GCC welcomed the Palestinian national reconciliation arrangement reached in Cairo, calling for the Palestinian signatories to live up to their words and to take advantage of this historical opportunity to restore their rights and establish an independent state.

Finally, the delegations welcomed the requests by Jordan and Morocco to join the GCC and invited the countries’ foreign ministers to enter into negotiations to finalize membership agreements.